Author
Topic: Small hive beetles and light in the hive (Read 1952 times)

Has anyone tried to rid the hives of SHB using opaque plastic covers on their hives to run the beetles out of the hive? I know that the bees don't like the light either, but there was a letter in this months ABJ of a guy doing this. What is everybody's thought on this. Just how long would the plastic cover last before the bees would have the light blocked out?

I put opaque covers on 2 of my 4 hives last week,I also put out 5 million nematodes out.I do have screened bottom boards and try to keep a daily count on dead beetles.I normally have 8-10 dead bugs every day.The 2 hives with opaque covers also get 5 hours full sunlight,I put sun blockers on top so the sun would not cook them but they still get the light.The last 2 days I have had 0 dead bodies in one and 2 in the other.This is after 1 week.I put opaque covers on my other 2 yesterday.The hives are 10 frame medium 2 deep,the ones I did yesterday are 3 deep and are in more shade,I hope they do as well.I am in central Florida so you know we have plenty Beetles.

I got nematodes at southeastern insectaries 877 967-6777,they were recommended by university of Florida and know the proper nematode.I can see the bees moving around on top frames and they act very normal.It might be a help in seeing top frames without disturbing hive.

I got nematodes at southeastern insectaries 877 967-6777,they were recommended by university of Florida and know the proper nematode.I can see the bees moving around on top frames and they act very normal.It might be a help in seeing top frames without disturbing hive.